Hot & Cold: DIY Water Pressure & Temperature Tips

DIY, How-To, Water Pressure, Water Temperature,

Water Pressure and Temperature Problems: Top Troubleshooting Tips

If you’ve scalded your hands when washing dishes, shrieked from freezing shower water or waited a long time for the washing machine to fill, you know how frustrating temperature and pressure issues can be. At times, they can be dangerous.

Depending on what is going on, you may not need to contact a plumbing professional right away. Though you should consider any issues a signal that you might need a pro soon, consider trying our DIY tips when your pressure is low or temperature is wonky.

Keep in mind your family’s safety. If you are uncomfortable attempting any of these steps, contact WaterWork to schedule an appointment today.

Water Pressure DIY

Not much oomph left in your plumbing? If your day-to-day life has been slowed down by low water pressure, there are several things that you can do before calling a plumber.

Whole-House

If water pressure is low throughout your home, you need to figure out what is causing it before you can decide how to handle it.

If in a new home, consider talking to neighbors to find out if they too have low water pressure. If this is a neighborhood problem, you may need to invest in and install a water pressure booster.

If the low water pressure is specific to your home, look for a pressure reducing valve that the previous owner may have installed. Should you find one, you can adjust its settings or call a plumber to come out and adjust them for you so that it allows for a heavier flow rate in your home.

If you find that there is no pressure reducing valve, the low pressure is likely occurring because either the main water valve is opened all the way or your main water line is leaking.

Adjust the valve and/or check in and around your home for signs of leakage:

  • Discoloration
  • Uneven ground
  • Standing water

If you get to this point and still aren’t sure exactly what’s going on, it’s time to call a WaterWork plumber.

Fixture-Specific

If your water pressure is fine overall, but one or two of your faucets are not performing as they should, you may be looking at clogged aerators. Get a handle on this by:

  • Unscrewing the fixture nozzle.
  • Checking for build-up.
  • Soaking gunky pieces in vinegar water overnight.

If the pressure is normal while the aerator is off then you have likely found the problem. If soaking the pieces in the vinegar-water solution doesn’t increase the pressure, you may just need to buy replacements at your local hardware store.

However, if you check the water pressure while the aerator is off and you find that it is low, you could be looking at a leak somewhere on the line. If this is the case, call a WaterWork plumber to come out and quickly find the trouble spot.

Temperature-Specific

Only experiencing low water pressure from hot-water sources? If so, head over to your water heater and check to see if the shut-off valve is fully open. If it is, it’s time to call a plumber to come take a look.

WaterWork emergency plumbers are adept at maintaining, repairing and installing water heaters for home and commercial properties.

Water Temperature DIY

Morning showers not hot enough to warm up those winter bones? Or, is your water too hot to the touch, endangering your family members? Either leads us to the water heater as the likely culprit.

When experiencing temperature issues, take the following steps depending on your scenario.

  • Water is not getting hot:

    • Check to see if your water heater’s pilot light went out.
    • Check to see if your gas valve is working correctly.
    • Or, check to see if heating element is working properly on an electric tank.
    • Check to see if temperature is set too low.
    • Check to see if water heater is turned off.
    • Consider age of water heater. If it is older, you may need a replacement.
  • Water is too hot:

    • Check to see if your water heater’s temp setting is too high.
    • Check shower valve and faucets where water is too hot to see if there is something wrong with the dial controls on that end.
  • Water is hot at first, but then cools off quickly:

    • Consider your usage and how much pressure your valves allow on your faucets and fixtures.
    • Consider installing low-flow shower heads.
    • Check for leaks around the base of your water heater.
    • If water is coming from the tank, shut it off quickly and contact a plumber immediately. Also shut off the gas or electricity to the unit.

Finding the ideal water temperature for your home can take a little time, but the typical threshold for heater settings is about 120 to 160 degrees. If you have a dishwasher, you may need to stay in the higher range. For homes without one, 120 should be ideal.

If the previous steps don’t work and the temp setting isn’t the problem, it could be time to buy a new water heater. Call WaterWork to help you shop models and complete a fast install at your convenience.

Quick Tips for Water Heater Maintenance:

  • To prevent sediment accumulation, open the drain valve every 6 months or so and let the water run into a bucket until it looks clear.
  • Test the temperature-pressure relief valve by lifting or lowering the handle and draining overflow pipe water. If it won’t drain, shut off water to the heater, open any other hot water faucet in your home and replace the valve.

Concerned You Have a More Serious Plumbing Problem? Call WaterWork Today.

WaterWork’s professional plumbers are ready to handle any issue you throw their way.

We’ve seen all of the plumbing issues that plague Michiganders so we know what the warning signs look like.

We also know that it’s critical to respond immediately to emergencies. That’s why we’re on call 24/7 to address repairs, as well as to handle speedy replacements and/or installations.

Tell us about your plumbing needs directly by calling 248-918-2149.

In the meantime, download our free seasonal plumbing checklist to stay on top maintenance and care year-round.